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Dear Neighbor,
It’s been a busy week in St. Paul with a number of committee hearings taking place for bipartisan bills I’ve authored. Here is a look at some of those and other notes from the Capitol:
Relief from rising health insurance costs
A bipartisan bill (H.F. 400) I authored to shift the cost of new state healthcare mandates from the insurers/enrollees to the state received a House committee hearing this week. Taking the burden off health plans would provide much-needed relief on rising premiums for enrollees.
This is important because the legislature has passed numerous mandates leading to increased premiums for consumers. This bill would relieve the market and protect premiums by defraying any new mandates future legislatures may pass. It could also serve as a deterrent to passing excessive mandates, but we should note this policy would not impact any past mandates that have already been placed into law.
The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee gave my bill a nice reception, moving it along in the process.
Auto dealers/shows
Bipartisan legislation (H.F. 320) I authored allowing auto dealers to participate in shows outside of the counties where they’re licensed also received a great hearing this week. This bill clarifies guidelines for dealers’ ability to participate in shows outside of their market area. It is necessary because auto dealers are often assigned specific market areas to which their franchise agreements confine their sales. Our local auto dealers support my legislation and I look forward to bringing it through the next steps in the House.
Sex trafficking
A third bipartisan bill I authored also continues moving through the House. This is legislation (H.F. 286) I mentioned in my last newsletter, expanding criminal background checks on license applications for massage services.
Bipartisan support has been expressed for my bill, which is good to see after a DFL conference committee stripped similar legislation of mine from an omnibus bill last biennium. I will keep working to get this across the finish line this year as part of a broader push from House Republicans to protect those who are victims of sex crimes.
Capitol visitors
Thank you to all those who continue coming to St. Paul to discuss important issues with me. Here are just some of the latest people I've met with:
 MN Corn Growers Association
 MN Rural Electric Association
Electronic pull tabs
I support legislation (H.F. 733) to bring back the original electronic pull tab gaming features after a recent change in law has left Minnesota charities looking at a massive decline in revenue.
In 2023, Gov. Tim Walz and legislative Democrats approved a law eliminating the “open all” feature that made the electronic pull-tab games popular. The watered-down electronic pull tabs took effect Jan. 1, and local veterans organizations, such as American Legions and VFWs, have reported a dramatic drop in activity, ranging from 20- 44 percent statewide. Even at a 30-percent revenue decline, those relying on charitable proceeds in Minnesota – EMS groups, food shelves, youth sports teams and associations, Boys and Girl Scouts, and other local charities – could be looking at a $115 million annual loss due to the electronic pull tab change.
Let’s just get things back to the way they were so our local organizations can have more funding to do more great work in our communities. House Republicans have authored a bill to repeal the law passed in 2023, restoring electronic pull tab features.
Paul Bunyan's Axe and Morgan
 Meet my Legislative Assistant Morgan Maiden! This week we enjoyed an office visit from Paul Bunyan's Axe, which the Gophers brought home last fall by defeating Wisconsin.
Sign up for TeenPact event
Registration is now open to for a pair of TeenPact classes next month at the Capitol in St. Paul as students from around the state gather for a week of hands-on training in leadership and government.
TeenPact is a nationwide Christian non-profit educational ministry, known for its teen-oriented programs on leadership, citizenship, and government. It designed to help students understand the political process, value their liberty, and engage the culture. Through hands-on and practical teaching, TeenPact Students learn how to embrace their call as the next generation of leaders, find encouragement among like-minded peers, and develop the skills to engage the culture.
A four-day class will take place March 31-April 3 for ages 13-19, and a political workshop for that same age group is available April 4. A one-day class for ages 8-12 is scheduled for April 4. The class for ages 8-12 is a condensed version of the class for the older group. Students will pray for their leaders during a prayer walk, explore the State House, become legislators in a mock legislature where they discuss bills they’ve written themselves, and more.
Additional information and registration details are available at teenpact.com/minnesota. Please share this with anyone you think may be interested!
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at [email protected]. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
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